Source number estimation algorithm of FECG based on sparse blind source separation analysis

As a method of noninvasive fetal monitoring, fetal electrocardiogram (FECG) signal processing has become a focus in current research, resulting in many methods of acquiring FECG. The extraction of FECG using blind source separation algorithms is feasible, which based on linear mixed model, and usually is assumed only one fetal signal mixed with the maternal signal. However, pregnant women may harbor multiple births in reality, so previous conventional methods are not applicable. Therefore, a novel method of estimating the number of FECG signals is proposed in this paper, which can prejudge the number of mixed-signals, thereby selecting corresponding FECG extraction algorithms or using other better extraction algorithms. Finally, the simulation shows that the algorithm is feasible and accurate to estimate the number of FECG signals.